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Research by the Ultreya Project shows the positive health effects of the pilgrimage experience.

That the Way of St. James is an experience that leaves a mark on everyone who does it is something that pilgrims have been repeating for centuries. In addition, following the steps that lead to the tomb of the Apostle not only allows you to experience firsthand an ancient route, but has become, especially in recent years, a way to access the many attractions that Galicia can offer to those who visit. But the benefits of the Way do not end there. Many pilgrims highlight the internal transformation they experience during the route and the positive consequences it has on their mood and, ultimately, their mental health. Now, a study has just confirmed and measured that, indeed, the Way has a healing effect.

The Ultreya Project, an initiative carried out by health professionals, researchers and specialists in the field of mindfulness and mental health, has yielded its first results after analysing the experiences of half a thousand pilgrims. Its objective was to evaluate and try to transform into data a common expression of the pilgrims who complete the route (“The Way has changed my life”) thus measuring the effect on their mood, satisfaction with life, happiness and decision-making process, among other aspects.

The surveys completed by the participants in the study reflect that pilgrims have seen an increase in their life satisfaction and happiness. Positive emotions, detachment and coherence with values also experience an increase once they complete the Way. On the other hand, negative aspects such as depressive and anxious symptomatology and stress experienced a reduction in the participants in this research.

Moreover, the data show that this improvement in well-being and mental health is not limited only to the moment immediately after the completion of the route to Compostela. Follow-up surveys among participants conducted three months after completing the pilgrimage show that all the variables studied continue to show better parameters than those collected before starting the Way.

Researchers and professionals from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Federal University of Sao Paulo, the University of Zaragoza, the University of Oxford, the Santa Creu y Sant Pau Hospital (Barcelona) and the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute (Barcelona) are part of the Ultreya Project. In addition, the initiative has had the collaboration of the group de Associations of Friends of the Northern Way, the Opening Way Association and the Eroski Foundation.